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The Daily Insight

Is yoga good for SI joint pain?

Author

Sarah Oconnor

Updated on March 02, 2026

Intense exercise can cause pain by putting pressure on your SI joints, but aquatics conditions your spinal and hip muscles in a stress-free environment. For many people with back pain, yoga is a good choice.

How do I relax my SI joint?

Lie on the back with both knees slightly bent, then gently move both knees to one side to twist the torso while keeping both shoulders flat on the ground. Hold this stretch for about 5 to 10 seconds, then repeat on the other side. This stretch helps loosen the muscles in the lower back, hips, and abdomen.

Are squats good for SI joint pain?

Additionally, strengthening exercises such as squats or lunges can help strengthen the gluteus and thigh muscles, which play important roles in supporting the pelvis and SI joint. Other strengthening exercises may be recommended or prescribed by a doctor, physical therapist, or other health professional.

Is heat or ice better for SI joint pain?

Ice applied to the low back and pelvis can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain and discomfort. Heat applied around the joint may help relieve pain by reducing muscle tension or spasms.

How do I sleep with SI joint pain?

Rest in bed for a few hours on the first day or two that you’re in pain. Keep your body in a neutral position. If you sleep on your back, please a pillow under your knees. If you’re a side sleeper, place a pillow between your knees (women may also need a pillow in the small of their waist to prevent bending sideways).

Does SI joint pain get worse at night?

Pain from sacroiliitis tends to be worse at night or in the early morning.  It is often exacerbated with standing as well. Climbing stairs, walking with large strides, and running are other weight-bearing activities that make the pain worse.

What is sacroiliac joint pain?

Sacroiliac joint pain usually manifests as pain in the lower back or buttocks, but pain can spread to surrounding muscles that may spasm in response to joint dysfunction.

How does menstruation affect the sacroiliac joint?

(Coulter, H. David, “Anatomy of Hatha Yoga” 2001, p.330) They are therefore affected by the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and relaxin. Every month in the week before menstruation, when oestrogen and progesterone levels are highest, the female sacroiliac joint is more flexible…and more vulnerable.

What causes sacroiliac joint pain after spinal fusion?

For example, many lumbar spinal fusion patients have sacroiliac joint pain due to reduced motion in lumbar spine segments. Sacroiliac joint pain usually manifests as pain in the lower back or buttocks, but pain can spread to surrounding muscles that may spasm in response to joint dysfunction.

What causes hypermobility in the sacroiliac joint?

Hypermobility, or too much movement in the sacroiliac joints, is a result of loose ligaments supporting the joints. Hypermobility has many causes, including pregnancy or injury to ligaments. Hypomobility, or too little movement in the joint, can be caused by degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis.